.jpg)
2 hours ago
1
Article content
Toronto, ON, Nov. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oasis Pool and Landscaping was found guilty of eight offences related to pipeline strikes under Ontario Regulation 210/01 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems) of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. The Ontario Court of Justice has imposed a fine of $80,000, plus a 25% victim surcharge.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
The safety violations occurred in June and July 2024, when Oasis Pool and Landscaping damaged two gas pipelines in two separate incidents in North York, Ontario, causing a loss of gas service to over 50 households in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Article content
Article content
Article content
An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) found that Oasis Pool and Landscaping failed to supervise its employee and did not follow safety procedures during excavation work. The company did not hand-dig within one metre of a gas pipeline as required and struck the line, in both incidents, with an excavator.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Following each of the strikes, an employee of the contractor sealed the damaged gas line and continued working without reporting the incident—an unsafe and unlawful action that posed a serious risk to public safety.
Article content
In the July incident, the company conducted additional excavation without referencing the obtained locates, increasing the risk of a pipeline strike.
Article content
According to TSSA’s latest Public Safety Report, pipeline strikes account for over 60% of reported fuel-related incidents in fiscal year 2025. These incidents can result in gas leaks, fires, explosions, property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Repairs often require gas shut-offs, leaving nearby homes and businesses without service.
Article content
“This prosecution marks the third conviction for gas pipeline damage in Ontario this year,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels Safety at TSSA. “In this case, the company involved even failed to use the obtained locates in one of the incidents. Digging without knowing the location of buried utilities is irresponsible, as it significantly increases the risk of damaging gas pipelines and other underground infrastructure.”
Article content
Article content
Mr. Kennedy added, “TSSA reminds all contractors to follow the rules when carrying out work that may contact gas pipelines. Every contractor has a duty to ensure locates are completed before excavation begins and to dig safely in accordance with safety codes.”
Article content
Before starting any digging project, both homeowners and contractors must contact Ontario One Call to identify the location of underground utilities such as gas, hydro, cable, and telephone lines. Taking this step is critical to preventing damage to pipelines and other buried infrastructure.
Article content
Article content
If a gas line is damaged or a leak is suspected, it must be reported immediately to TSSA at 1-877-682-8772.
Article content
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
English (US)